Every year, various Android OEMs release hundreds of new Android powered smartphones. However, only a handful of them sell in millions of units and are truly worth your hard earned money.

This year was no different with Samsung and releasing their flagship handsets by the first half of this year, followed by LG, Sony, Google and Motorola in the second half. But, which was the best Android smartphone released this year? Read our round up below to find out.

Sony Xperia Z1

The Sony Xperia Z1 might not have been as successful as the Xperia Z, but the handset does stand its own against the likes of LG G2 and Note 3. The Z1 packs in everything that a late-2013 flagship is expected to pack. The Z1 takes everything that the Z packs and improvises it, including its waterproof and dust-resistant body.

The Z1 also includes a 20.7MP camera, which is in an impressive piece of tech on-paper. While in real-life the camera is not as good as the iPhone 5s, it manages to provide a degree of lose-less digital zoom ala Nokia’s PureView 808 and 1020, a major advantage for many.

The Z1 has its fair share of faults including a sub-par display, an older version of Android and other niggling software issues. However, that does not stop it from barely making it to our list of the best Android smartphones released this year, thanks largely to its waterproof design.

LG G Flex

This year saw the release of two Android devices with a curved screen – Samsung’s Galaxy Round and the LG G Flex. While the former was a prototype with limited launch markets, the latter saw a wider availability and feels less like a prototype.

The G Flex sports the same specs as the LG G2, except for a 6-inch 720p flexible OLED display that is curved from the top to bottom. The G Flex really is an impressive piece of technology, with its flexible display — that indeed flexes — and a self-healing back.

Below is a video that shows the self-healing back and the flexible display of G Flex in action -:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SphEAlsrRoo&feature=youtu.be

The G Flex display, however, is still not ready for prime time as it suffers from banding and image retention issues. The smartphone makes it into this list purely on its ability of giving us a glimpse into what flexible displays might bring to the smartphones in the future.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3

The Note 3 is the only phablet to make it in this list and is, unarguably, the best out there.

Samsung has filled the Note 3 to the brim with features and specs, including 4K video recording on the Exynos version and a microUSB 3.0 port. Stylus lovers will also appreciate all the new S-Pen features that Samsung has included in the Note 3 as well

There really is nothing wrong with the Galaxy Note 3. It has a top-notch camera, a microSD card slot, 2 days worth of battery life and a removable battery being an additional bonus. Yet, it does not offer anything unique like its smaller sibling – the Galaxy S4.

Nevertheless, if you are looking for a phablet, the Galaxy Note 3 is your best option in the market right now.